The Singapore government has pushed back a downselection to three candidates in its fighter competition until late July or early August as it reviews late revisions in Dassault's proposal that may result in its Rafale being eliminated from the competition.
Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has completed its initial review and is believed to have shortlisted the Boeing F-15, Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60 and Eurofighter Typhoon. If the ministry of defence and cabinet approve this shortlist, the Boeing F/A-18E/F, Rafale and Sukhoi Su-35 would be eliminated.
But the DSTA is still reviewing revisions Dassault submitted after the March deadline, prompting a slip in the decision from June. The revised Rafale proposal calls for Singapore to help fund an upgraded version in exchange for development work by local companies and a share in possible export sales.
Dassault's competitors believe Singapore does not want to help fund development, which is needed because France has withdrawn financial support for an export variant of the Rafale.
Source: Flight International
